Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Mint both offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Kiki Red, a linear switch, stands out for its finely-tuned typing experience, combining a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance with smooth actuation thanks to its all-POM housings and Ly stems. On the other hand, the KTT Mint, also a linear switch, provides a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness due to its long pole stem. While the Kiki Red appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse, the Mint offers a light and fleeting typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Mint, it is clear that they offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Kiki Red results in a unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Mint offers a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Mint allows for RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of these switches, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing provides a deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Mint's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch, catering to different preferences based on sound profile.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom components of these switches creates a unique typing experience. While the Kiki Red offers a deep and muted sound profile throughout, the Mint provides a mix of sharper and crisper sounds from its polycarbonate top housing and fuller, rounder sounds from its nylon bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience tailored to individual preferences, showcasing the impact of housing materials on the overall typing feel and sound quality.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch differ slightly. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Mint's 45 grams, making the Kiki Red slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams while the Mint needs 53 grams, indicating that the Mint provides a slightly more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the lighter to medium-light range of forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The KTT Mint has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Bsun Kiki Red being slightly shorter than the average 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
The KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its high-pitched, clacky nuance that provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the Kiki Red leans towards a crisp and bright sound, the Mint provides a more neutral and versatile sound experience suitable for various preferences. Both switches offer unique auditory feedback, with the Kiki Red excelling in its clacky sound and the Mint offering a smoother and more subtle typing experience.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. The switch is known for its smooth and buttery sensation, minimising resistance and providing a polished finish for sleek key travel. Additionally, the Kiki Red switch is lauded for being snappy and easy-to-press, enhancing the typing experience with responsiveness and minimal force requirement. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Mint switch falls into a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing feel without extreme characteristics.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a high-pitched, clacky sound and a creamy, snappy typing feel that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a balance of auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a more neutral and versatile sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel that caters to a wider range of users. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the KTT Mint linear switch, it really comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you appreciate a finely-tuned and clacky typing sensation with medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red is your best bet. The Kiki Reds offer a unique sound signature and smooth actuation, making them a preferred choice for those who value subtlety in auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy a satisfyingly smooth and poppy thockiness with a light and fleeting type feel, then the Mint switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the creamy, polished, and silky feel of the Kiki Red or the mild and polished qualities of the Mint. It all boils down to your personal preference for typing experience.
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